5 Signs That You Should Replace Your Windshield Wipers

The job of your windshield wipers is a humble – but important one. They are responsible for letting you see clearly – through snow, sleet, ice, hail, and even mud and dirt! Without your wipers, you wouldn’t be able to stay safe on the road.

And wipers need to be replaced fairly often – often every 6 months to a year, depending on how much you drive, and how harsh your climate is. The team at Ride Time knows that the winter weather can take a big toll on your wiper blades in Winnipeg.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 6 signs you should replace your wipers ASAP. Let’s get started.

1. The Rubber On The Blades Is Cracked Or Failing

The rubber on your wipers can be damaged by exposure to the elements, and UV rays. If the rubber is cracking or looks brittle, it won’t make proper contact with the windshield. This means that performance will be affected – and you won’t be able to see clearly.

2. Your Wipers Are Leaving Streaks On Your Windshield

Streaky wipers are a sure-fire sign that your windshield wipers should be replaced. A little bit of streaking is normal – but if you notice a film of grime, dirt, or water on your windshield even after you spray windshield wiper fluid, your wipers may need to be replaced.

Your wipers could just be dirty, and need to be wiped down with a cloth – but it’s more likely that the rubber is failing, and not contacting your windshield properly.

3. You’re Hearing Too Much Squeaking And “Chattering”

If you’re hearing a lot of dragging and squeaking from your wipers when they’re dragged across the glass, it’s probably time to replace them. Again, a bit of squeaking is normal – but “chattering” means that plastic is being dragged across the glass, and the rubber is not contacting it properly. This results in poor vision while driving.

4. The Frame Of The Blade Is Bent Or Damaged

If a particular area of your windshield just won’t get clean, check out the frame of the blade – the rigid plastic and metal that keeps the blade in place. Wiper frames can be damaged quite easily. This is especially common when scraping ice and snow off of your car in the winter.

You can jam into your wiper blade while scraping snow and bend it permanently – resulting in poor performance on the road.

5. The Rubber Adhesive Is Failing, And Blades Aren’t Making Consistent Contact With Your Windshield

Another common issue is that the rubber adhesive which holds the blade onto the frame can fail. This may result in poor overall performance, and contact with the windshield. The rubber blade will “flop” around, because it’s only partially held onto the blade frame.

Typically, this is the most noticeable around the edges of your blade, as this is where the rubber adhesive tends to fail first. While you may be able to glue the rubber back into place, this is usually a sign that it’s best to replace your windshield wipers completely.

Need A New Pair Of Wipers? Come To Ride Time Today!

Whether you’re looking for someone to install a new pair of wipers to prepare for spring and summer in Winnipeg, or you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to replace your wipers yourself, we can help at Ride Time!

We have a wide variety of automotive accessories for sale, including windshield wipers. So don’t let a faulty pair of wipers put you in a dangerous situation. Come to Ride Time now for a replacement – and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way!

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About Ride Time

Ride Time is the used car dealer of choice for people with less-than-perfect credit. We provide innovative credit solutions and bad credit car loans Winnipeg drivers rely on. You can expect quality vehicles and outstanding customer service from every person in our organization. At Ride Time, we’re committed to creating a positive experience for customers, even under the toughest circumstances.